Power ventilated canopy for an article of furniture and the like



Jan. 11, 1966 E. M. WESTMAN 3,228,317

POWER VENTILATED CANOPY FOR AN ARTICLE OF FURNITURE AND THE LIKE 4Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 1, 1963 Ava/51v rm:

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Jan. 11, 1966 E M. WESTMAN 3,228,317

POWER VENTILATED CANOPY FOR AN ARTICLE OF FURNITURE AND THE LIKE FiledFeb. 1, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Av we wkmww A weavers.

Jan. 11, 1966 E. M. WESTMAN 3,228,317

POWER VENTILATED CANOPY FOR AN ARTICLE OF FURNITURE AND THE LIKE FiledFeb. 1, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 m R} I 3 k r 1F 1 1 2 p, o, g L! M O) In!EM rapt WWW A T762 ME :15,

Jan. 11, 1966 E. M. WESTMAN 3,228,317

POWER VENTILATED CANOPY FOR AN ARTICLE OF FURNITURE AND THE LIKE FiledFeb. 1, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR' 4 Wok/V6 Ki United States PatentOfitice 3,228,3l7 Patented Jan. 11, 3966 3,228,317 POWER VENTILATED(IANQPY 0R AN ARTICLE fil FURNETURE AND THE TAKE Edward M. Westman,Arcadia, Calif. (3723 Queen Ave. N., Minneapolis, Minn.) Filed Feb. 1,1963, Ser. No. 255,512 18 [lit-aims. (ill. 98-11.)

This invention relates to improvements in furniture sets and moreparticularly to canopied outdoor furniture, for example, wherein a powerventilator is incorporated into the canopy of the furniture set.

Umbrella or canopy covered tables of the Parisian sidewalk-cafe type,for example, for use out-of-doors have been known for many years. Suchtables, however, usually provide only a central stanchion extendingverticaliy centrally of the table to support a canopy or umbreila whichprovides shade and protection from precipitation to persons seated atthe table.

The conventional canopied table provides only sun or rain shielding topersons seated around the table. Accordingly, the conventional canopytraps-air within its confines. Such air is heated through the canopy bysolar radiation with the result that it is often warmer under such acanopy than if no canopy were provided, particularly where a breeze maybe blowing. The conventional canopy also may prevent persons seatedaround the table from being cooled by a breeze blowing in the generalvicinity of the table. These particular aspects of conventional canopytables discourage use of such tables and detract from the utilitythereof.

The present invention incorporates a fan or blower into a canopy for anarticle of furniture, such as a patio table, and provides means fordirecting the air currents created on operation of such fan inpredetermined or variable directions for the benefit of persons seatedat, or proximate to the article of furniture. Operation of the fan, bymeans provided by the present invention prevents the creation of pocketsof stagnant air under the canopy and assures that persons seated aroundthe table are kept comfortable and sociable. The benefits or"conventional canopies are retained.

Climatic elements such as high humidity in the atmosphere, high ambienttemperatures, ordors, stagnant air, hordes of insects, all of whichfactors grossly affect the etficiency, performance, sociability,psychological orientation and disposition, health, and comfort of thehuman species in the conduct of its ati airs, are in no way treated,alleviated, or modified in any of the furniture heretofore devised.

As a result, the fully utility potential, value desirability,functionability, utilization efficiency (load factor), and novelty ofsuch furniture articles has scarcely been realized.

Generally speaking, the present invention provides a power ventilatedpatio-type table unit. The unit is comprised basically of a table andcanopy means for the table. Air moving means are secured to the canopyand means for selectively operating the air moving means are also provled. The invention further includes means for so ying air to the airmoving means and means coopeting with the air moving means for directingair discharged from the air moving means from the canopy means. Also,means are connected to the canopy teams for supporting the canopy meansover the table or other article of furniture over which the canopy isdisposed.

The canopy means referred to above comprises a canopy member preferablysymmetrical about an axis and defining a shell which is concavedownwardly. A rotatable fan is disposed adjacent the lower surface ofthe canopy member. The canopy member defines air passage meanstherethrough from its convex side to above the fan.

The above mentioned and other features of the invention are more fullyset forth in the following detailed description of the invention takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a ventilated and canopied table unitof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevation taken along line AA of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view on a reduced scale of the table unitillustrated in FIG. 1;

PEG. 4 is a cross-section elevation view, similar to the cross-sectionview of FIG. 2, of a second preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a fragmented cross-sectional elevation of the table unitillustrating an alternate form of fan rotating means;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of an alternate form of canopy from thatillustrated in FIG. 1;

PEG. 7 is a cross-sectional elevation of a third preferred embodiment ofthe canopy means of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation View of the battery box illustrated incross-section in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a fragmented elevation view of an alternate preferredembodiment of the lower end of the canopy supporting stanchion adaptedas a receptacle for an extension cord;

FIG. 10 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram for the preferredembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram of an alternatecircuit including a step-down transformer;

FIG. 12 is a schematic electrical circuit diagram modified over thediagram of FIG. 11 by the addition of a battery for remote operation ofthe table unit according to FIG 4, for example;

FIG. -l3 is a fragmented elevation view of still another preferred formof canopy and air moving means; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic electrical diagram in two parts; Part Arepresenting motor speed control by variation in pole connection, Part Billustrating motor speed control by variations in resistance of thefield circuit.

The invention is described herein in conjunction with a table, but itshould be understood that the ventilated canopy may be used with anyform of outdoor type furniture such as a deck chair, settee chaiselounge, or picnic-type table. The ventilated canopy of the presentinvention also finds utility in use with a childs sandbox or similarplay area; a parent may leave a child in such a play area with theknowledge that the child is safe and comfortable and will not be overlyexposed to solar radiation.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a table having a top 1, supported byspaced apart legs 2 braced by a circumferential bracket 13, is providedin combination with a chair 12. A vertical, hollow, tubular stanchion 3extends upwardly centrally of the table and supports a sun orweather-shade canopy comprised of a lower part 4 and an upper part 5.The pair of canopy parts are referred to hereinafter as the canopy. Thecanopy is a substantially shell-like, downwardly concave memberpreferably symmetrical about the vertical axis of the stanchion. Thecanopy has a concave downwardly lower surface and a convex uppersurface. The upper canopy member is secured relative to the lower canopymember by a plurality of support brackets 19 (see FIG. 2) while thelower canopy member is supported to the stanchion by a plurality orradial brackets 21 extending inwardly from the lower member to a clamp14 engaged peripherally of the stanchion. The lower end of the stanchionis mechanically connected, as by a flanged sleeve 9, to a receptacle boxfastened to the upper side of a weatherproof battery protective housing7 which receives a self-contained mobile energy source, such as astorage battery 22, and which supports the entire weight of thestanchion and the associated canopy. Electrical power from a centralstation is supplied to the canopy unit by an extension cord engageablewith a receptacle 3 mounted in the receptacle box. The receptacle isconnected by appropriate circuitry, as illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, and12, to a fan motor 16 regulated by an on-off switch 6. In FIG. 1 theswitch is illustrated as mounted to the stanchion above the table topwhere it is accessible to a person seated in chair 12, although it iswithin the scope of this invention that the switch may be positioned atother locations on the canopy unit. When the canopy unit is used inlocations where A.C. power is not available, the battery is connected tothe motor by operation of a selector switch 27 shown in FIG. 4 asmounted to the battery housing '7.

FIG. 2, a cross-sectional elevation of the structure illustrated in FIG.1, shows an electric motor 16 mounted within an aerodynamically shapedmotor housing 17 secured to the upper end of the canopy stanchion withinthe confines of the lower canopy part. The canopy parts are disposed intiered relation coaxially of the stanchion. An aperture is formed in theupper central portion of the lower canopy member within the radialextent of the upper canopy member and preferably coaxially of thestanchion. The motor and the motor housing are disposed concentric toand below this aperture. The motor has a rotatable shaft 18 extendingupwardly coaxially of the canopy parts to an end adjacent the aperturein the lower canopy part. A fan having a plurality of radial blades issecured to the upper end of the motor shaft and is rotatable uponenergization of the motor.

While the canopies in the preferred embodiments of the invention shownin the drawing are fabricated from a rigid material such as sheet metalor plastic, it is within the scope of the present invention that thecanopy may be fabricated from fabric and be collapsible in the fashionof a conventional umbrella. The lower canopy part, in such case,preferably is constructed to define the aperture described above andbetween the aperture and its outer radial extent is fabricated of fabricsupported on ribs hinged to a central ring defining the aperture. Theupper canopy part preferably is fabricated of rigid material as shown inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

Since the canopy parts are spaced apart by brackets 19, a duct is formedfrom the exterior of the canopy underneath the upper canopy part to theaperture. An annular shroud ring 32, forming a partial Venturi tubesection within which the fan revolves, is secured to the lower canopypart peripherally of the aperture. The vent formed between the canopyparts is sufficiently large in cross-sectional opening to allow freeflow of air into the Venturi duct without appreciable aerodynamiclosses. Upon operation of the fan, air is drawn into the Venturi tubethrough the vent between the canopy parts, as indicated by arrow-tippedlines 20 representing streamlines of air flow for discharge toward thetable. The fan is disposed within the annular shroud ring and cooperateswith the fan closely adjacent the tips of the fan blades to preventrecirculation of air around the tips of the fan. Prevention ofrecirculation increases the air-moving efficiency of the fan andprevents the fan from windmilling or creating eddies at the ends of theblades. The streamline configuration of the motor housing assures thatair moved by the fan flows smoothly, downwardly, and outwardly towardthe table. If desired, the direction of rotation of the motor may bereversed or the pitch of the fan blades may be reversed so that air isevacuated from the space underneath the canopy and passed outwardlythrough the vent between the canopy parts. Electrical conductors areconnected to the motor through a hollow raceway 24 axially of thestanchion after being properly switched, of course, as aforesaid. At itslower extermity the stanchion opens into the electrical receptacle boxwhich, in turn, opens into the electric storage battery compartmenthousing storage battery 22. Axles 23, rotatably mounted in pillow-blockbearings 42, secured to the underside of the battery receptacle, areconnected to rotatable wheels engaging the ground and supporting thebattery receptacle.

It is a feature of this invention that the canopy cooperates With thefan to increase the efficiency of the fan over situations to which thefan is unshrouded. The configuration of apparatus shown in FIG. 4,wherein the fan is disposed below the aperture in lower canopy part 4and has its blades extending radially beyond the aperture to adjacentthe lower canopy part, provides a bathe circumferentially of the fan.Because the canopy has a greater radial dimension than the fan, thecanopy acts as a bafile for the fan and has the efiect of increasing theaspect ratio of the fan blades so that the fan has a greater effectivediameter than when operating in an unbaffie condition and thereby movesmore air per revolution than when the same fan is unbafiied. The baflieeffect prevents leakage of air over the tips of the fan blades andthereby prevents wind-milling of the fan. The fan may therefore rotateslowly and still move the desired quantities of air. Shroud ring 32defining the Venturi tube (FIG. 2) is a special case of the fan bafflefeature of the present invention.

It can be seen that the table ensemble fits somewhat loosely about thestanchion (see FIG. 2) to provide lateral support for the stanchion andcanopy assembly and yet provide for axial movement of the tablevertically of the stanchion. When it is desired to move the canopy andtable unit, the table itself may be raised upwardly along the stanchionand secured to the stanchion by a pin connection (not shown) so that thebattery receptacle then can be Wheeled about without interference fromthe table.

FIG. 3 illustrates a phantom lines the approximate location of fan 15relative to the upper and lower canopy parts.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention in which motor 16 is mounted within battery receptacle box 7rather than to the upper end of stanchion 3. Fan shaft 18 extendsaxially of the stanchion from exteriorly of the upper end of thestanchion to within the battery housing. The lower end of the shaft isconnected thorugh a speed reduction means to the drive motor. The speedreduction means may be, for example, a gear mechanism, a belt and pulleydrive, or friction drive discs. The upper end of shaft 13 is rotatablysupported by a bearing 26, preferably a ball-bearing assembly, supportedin a bearing mount housing 25 secured to the upper end of the stanchion.In the structure illustrated in FIG. 4, annular shroud ring 32(illustrated in FIG. 2) is deleted. Accordingly, blades 15 of the fanare extended substantially adjacent the lower canopy part to assureadequate flow of air without wind-milling of the fan, as describedabove. Since the fan is enlarged over the fan structure shown in FIG. 2,it is preferred that the mechanical speed reducing means he used in thestructure of FIG. 4.

It is preferred in many cases, however, that mechanical speed reductionmeans not be used between the fan and the drive motor. FIG. 5illustrates an alternate preferred embodiment of the invention whereinmotor 16 is mounted in a housing connected to the lower end of thestanchion and is directly coupled to fan shaft 18 which extends upwardlythrough the hollow stanchion raceway to the fan propeller. Since it isdesired that the fan rotate at a relatively low velocity, it ispreferred that motor 16 (illustrated in FIG. 5) be a multi-pole motor.Low angular velocities of the fan are preferred so that an undesireddownward blast of the air toward the table is not produced. A highvelocity blast of air may produce unhealthy drafts and also prevent useof the table for purposes of eating and the like. It is desired,however, that a substantial quantity of air be moved by fan to assurethat the beneficial effects of the canopy be manifested over an areaunder the canopy sufficient to encompass several persons seated aroundthe table. In practice, the dimensions of the canopy and a capacity ofthe fan are coordinated with the geometry of the article with which theventilated canopy is used.

In the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an internalcombustion engine equipped with a silencer may be installed in housing 7and coupled therein to the fan shaft.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the canopy structure inwhich a plurality of louvered apertures 38 are provided in the uppercentral portion of the canopy instead of the duct illustrated in FIGS. 2and 4. The canopy structure illustrated in FIG. 6 is provided by aplurality of semi-spherical sectors which preferably are releasablyfastened to provide that the canopy may be dismantled for storing duringthe winter in locales where the table unit is not used throughout theyear. Louvered apertures are preferred to prevent the passage of rain orforeign particles through the canopy.

The present invention also provides structure which is adapted for usein commercial establishments or at lawn parties wherein a plurality oftables are utilized. Tables such as those shown in FIG. 5 are normallypowered by electricity supplied through extension cords run over theground. The presence of such extension cords is not desired where largenumbers of persons are present. In the structure illustrated in FIG. 7electrical power is supplied to the fan from overhead, such as througha, drop from an electrical outlet disposed over the area within which aplurality of tables are disposed. The canopy illustrated in FIG. 7 iscomprised of a lower part 4 and an upper part 5 generally in accord Withthe structure illustrated in FIG. 2. Drive motor 16 for fan 15, however,is mounted to the upper canopy part coaxially of stanchion 3 by means ofbrackets connected between the motor and the interior surfaces of theupper canopy part. Fan shaft 1% depends downwardly of the motor tocentrally of an annular Venturi shroud ring 32 secured to the lowercanopy part and within which fan 15 cooperates. An annular air-flowdiffusing or directing ring 33 is disposed interiorly of and below theshroud ring adjacent the upper end of the stanchion. A diffuser cone 34is mounted to the upper end of the stanchion within the diameter of thediffuser ring and further serves to direct and deflect air dischargedfrom the fan. The diffuser ring may be stationary, or it may beadjustable relative to the shroud ring in order that the direction ofdischarge of the air from the fan may be varied. lhe alignment of thedilfuser ring is determined by the choice of persons seated around thetable; do they wish to have the air discharged directly upon them, or dothey desire to be cooled indirectly by air aspirated by the dischargefrom the fan. Electric power for the fan is supplied through a conduit36 extending upwardly from an aperture centrally of the upper part ofthe canopy. A service cord or electrical drop 38 is passed through aninsulating header 37 in the conduit remote from the canopy and thence tothe motor.

PEG. 8 is a side elevational view of the housing for an electricalstorage battery 22. Housing 7 provides a door 40, mounted on hinges 39and having a handle 4- 1, through which the battery is inserted into andremoved from the housing for servicing and recharging. If desired, abattery charging unit may be provided integral with the housing,although this is an optional feature insofar 6. as the present inventionis concerned. An electrical receptacle 8, for supply of alternatingcurrent by means of an extension cord, is secured to the upper portionof the battery housing. A circuit selector switch 27, operable to selectbetween alternating current power for the motor or direct current powerfrom the battery, is provided in the receptacle housing.

In applications Where a storage battery is not to be relied upon forprovision of electrical power to the motor, the structure at the lowerend of the stanchion may be simplified to provide the structureillustrated in FIG. 9. A receptacle housing it for receiving anextension cord receptacle 8 is secured to a flanged sleeve which in turnis secured to the lower end of stanchion 3. The receptacle housing issupported on the ground by a plurality of feet 43 of suitable materialsuch as rubber, plastic, metal, or any other desirable materialsufficient to support the weight of the canopy and its associated airmoving means.

In the preferred embodiments of the invention described above the airmoving means has been comprised of a rotatable fan having a plurality ofradially extending blades. It is within the scope of the presentinvention that the air moving means comprise a centrifugal blower. FIG.13 illustrates a canopy 4 provided in conjunction with a centrifugalblower having a scrollcase 50 supporting a rotatable impeller (notshown) of the blower. The scrollcase defines an inlet or intake port 52and an air discharge diffuser cone 51 mounted interiorly of the canopy,the remainder of the blower being supported exteriorly of the canopy byconnection of the scrollcase to the canopy.

FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic diagram for a preferred embodiment ofthe invention, as for example the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9.Electrical power is supplied to receptacle 8 and thence through on-offswitch 6 to a protective fuse or circuit breaker 44 and to motor 13which may be of the synchronous or asynchronous type. It is preferredthat one side of the circuit be electrically grounded as a safetyprecaution.

As a further safety precaution to persons seated around table 1, astep-down transformer 46 is provided at a location removed from thetable receptacle 3 being connected to the transformer by a suitablyequipped extension cord 45. FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram for anembodiment of the invention using a step-down transformer.

FIG. 12 presents, in schematic form, the circuitry of a furtherpreferred embodiment of the invention adapted for the operation eitheron alternating or direct current. A step-down transformer 46 isconnected with receptacle 8 by a suitably fitted extension cord 45. Aselector switch 27 is disposed in the circuit for selection ofalternating current from the transformer or of direct current fromstorage battery 22. The selector switch is connected through an on-offswitch and a fuse to motor 16 which preferably, in this case, is auniversal series alternating or direct current motor.

It was mentioned above that, in some cases, slow speed operation isdesired for fan 15. In many instances, however, it may be desired thatfan 15 be operated at one of two speeds depending upon the use to whichtable 1 is put. FIG. 14A illustrates an exemplary motor control meanswherein a multi-pole motor having for example, twelve polescircumferentially of the armature, is regulatcd as to speed byvariations in the manner in which two separate groups of poles areconnected one to another relative to the armature. As illustrated isFIG. 14A, fields F1 and F2. are each comprised of an equal number ofpairs of poles. An n-pole, double-throw switch 53 is provided betweenthese fields such that, when the switch is thrown to the left (see FIG.14A) the fields are connected in series so that the pole groups areadded together and the motor rotates at its slower speed. When switch 53is thrown to the right the fields are in electrical parallel so that theeffective number of poles equals the number of poles in each pole groupand the motor rotates twice as fast as when connected in the seriesconnection.

In FIG. 14B motor 16 preferably is a universal series motor whereinspeed is varied by selective connection of a selector switch 54 to oneor the other of resistances 55 and 56, the resistances having differentohmic values so that these resistances are selectively coupled in serieswith field P1 of the motor. By varying the resistance associated withthe field, the rotational speed of the motor is varied.

It has previously been mentioned that the present invention providesmeans for dispelling insects from around the vicinity of the table withwhich the ventilated canopy is equipped. The motion of the fan bladeshas an adverse psychological effect on insects, particularly uponinsects which have mosaic or multi-lens eyes. Such eyes are responsiveprimarily to motion and the effect of the slowly moving fan blades ofthe ventilated canopy is sufficient to prevent insects from congregatingin the vicinity of the table. The insect repelling features of theinvention may be enhanced by coating the fan blades with a brilliantlycolored enamel or laquer which contrasts with the color of the canopy.

From the foregoing description it is apparent that the present inventionprovides novel and effective structure for increasing the utility ofoutdoor patio-type tables or other articles of terrace furniture throughthe provision of means for circulating air in the vicinity of theassociated article of furniture. The apparatus of the present inventionis portable and is useful in a variety of environments since theapparatus may be operated either by alternating or direct currentelectric power or by a gasoline engine. The apparatus is inherently safesince the electrical circuitry is grounded to prevent shocks.Alternating current preferably is supplied by means of a step-downtransformer disposed at a location removed from the canopy. Particularembodiments of the present invention are demountable so that thestructure may be stored conveniently when not in use.

Although but a few embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that various changes and modifications may be made thereinwithout departing the scope or spirit of the present invention. Whilethe foregoing invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments, this has been by way of example and illustration only andnot as a limitation on the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A ventilated canopy comprising a canopy opening concave downwardlyand having an underside, stanchion means for supporting the canopy inspaced apart relation to a support surface, rotary air moving meansadjacent the underside of the canopy, air inlet means through thecanopy, peripherally ringed by a downwardly turning Venturi section, tothe air moving means, and selectively operable means operativelyconnected to the air moving means for rotating the air moving means.

2. A power ventilated canopy for an outdoor article of furniturecomprising a canopy member about an axis and having a convex uppersurface and a concave lower surface defining a shell concave downwardly,a rotatable fan disposed adjacent the lower surface of the canopymember, the canopy member defining air passage means therethrough,peripherally ringed by a downwardly turned Venturi section, from theconvex side of the fan, selectively operable means for rotating the fanoperably connected to the fan, and means for supporting the canopyrelative to the article of furniture.

3. A ventilated canopy for an article of furniture comprising a canopy,stanchion means for supporting the canopy relative to the article offurniture, rotary air moving means disposed in the canopy, precipitationand sun excluding air inlet means through the canopy operativelycommunicating from exteriorly of the canopy to the air moving meansthrough a downwardly turned Venturi section, and screening the users andapparatus thereunder; and selectively operable means operativelyconnected to the air moving means for rotating the air moving means.

4. A power ventilated canopy having utility in combination with anarticle of furniture comprising a canopy, air moving means disposedadjacent the canopy, means for selectively operating the air movingmeans operatively connected to the air moving means, precipitation andsun exclusion means communicating from exteriorly of the canopy to theair moving means through a downwardly turned Venturi ring, meanscooperating with the air moving means operatively directing airdischarged from the air moving means of the canopy in a directedenvelope, and means connected to the canopy for supporting the canopyrelative to the article of furniture.

5. A canopied table unit comprising a table having a plurality ofsupporting legs adapted to support the table on a supporting surface, astanchion extending vertically from the table to an upper end removedfrom the table, a downwardly open canopy secured to the upper end of thestanchion and disposed concentric to the stanchion, a fan rotatablymounted to the upper end of the stanchion and disposed concentric to thestanchion, and electric motor means operatively connected to the fan forrotation of the fan, and selectively operable means operativelyconnected to the motor for rotating the fan at various speeds; whereinthe canopy comprises upper and lower canopy parts concave downwardlytoward the table and disposed concentric to the stanchion, the lowercanopy part defining an aperture therethrough in an upper portionthereof concentric to the stanchion, means for supporting the uppercanopy part in spaced apart relation to the lower canopy part, the uppercanopy part having an extent transversely of the stanchion greater thanthe corresponding extent of the lower canopy part aperture, the fanhaving a plurality of blades extending radially from the stanchion toends spaced adjacent the lower canopy part, the lower canopy partdefining baffle means for the fan blades.

6. A canopied table unit comprising a table having a plurality ofsupporting legs adapted to support the table on a supporting surface, astanchion extending vertically from the table to an upper end removedfrom the table, a downwardly open canopy secured to the upper end of thestanchion and disposed concentric to the stanchion, a fan rotatablymounted to the upper end of the stanchion and disposed concentric to thestanchion, and electric motor means operatively connected to the fan forrotation of the fan, and selectively operable means operativelyconnected to the motor for rotating the fan at various speeds: whereinthe canopy comprises upper and lower canopy parts concave downwardlytoward the table and disposed concentric to the stanchion, the lowercanopy part defining an aperture therethrough in an upper portionthereof concentric to the stanchion, means for supporting the uppercanopy part in spaced apart relation to the lower canopy part, the uppercanopy part having an extent transversely of the stanchion greater thanthe corresponding extent of the lower canopy part aperature, the fanhaving a plurality of blades extending radially from the stanchion toends spaced adjacent the lower canopy part; the lower canopy partdefining baffle means for the fan blades, wherein the stanchion extendsthrough the table to a lower end disposed below the table, and above thesupporting surface, and a housing connected to the lower end of thestanchion and supporting the stanchion on the surface.

'7. A canopied table unit comprising a table having a plurality ofsupporting legs adapted to support the table on a supporting surface, astanchion extending vertically from the table to an upper end removedfrom the table, a downwardly open canopy secured to the upper end of thestanchion and disposed concentric to the stanchion, a fan rotatablymounted to the upper end of the stanchion and disposed concentric to thestanchion, and electric motor means operatively connected to the fan forrotation of the fan, and selectively operable means operativelyconnected to the motor for rotating the fan at various speeds; whereinthe canopy comprises upper and lower canopy parts concave downwardlytoward the table and disposed concentric to the stanchion, the lowercanopy part defining an aperature therethrough in an upper portionthereof concentric to the stanchion, means for supporting the uppercanopy part in spaced apart relation to the lower canopy part, the uppercanopy parts having an extent transversely of the stanchion greater thanthe corresponding extent of the lower canopy part aperature, the fanhaving a plurality of blades extending radially from the stanchion toends spaced adjacent the lower canopy part; the lower canopy partdefining bafile means for the fan blades; wherein the stanchion extendsthrough the table to a lower end disposed below the table, and above thesupporting surface, and a housing connected to the stanchion wherein themotor is disposed in the housing, and including a fan shaft extendingupwardly through the stanchion to the fan and operatively connected tothe fan and the motor.

8. A canopied table unit comprising a table having a plurality ofsupporting legs adapted to support the table on a supporting surface, astanchion extending vertically from the table to an upper end removedfrom the table, a downwardly open canopy secured to the upper end of thestanchion and disposed concentric to the stanchion, a fan rotatablymounted to the upper end of the stanchion and disposed concentric to thestanchion, and electric motor means operatively connected to the fan forrotation of the fan, and selectively operable means operativelyconnected to the motor for rotating the fan at various speeds; whereinthe canopy comprises upper and lower canopy parts concave downwardlytoward the table and disposed concentric to the stanchion, the lowercanopy part defining an aperture therethrough in an upper portionthereof concentric to the stanchion, means for supporting the uppercanopy part in spaced apart relation to the lower canopy part, the uppercanopy part having an extent transversely of the stanchion greater thanthe corresponding extent of the lower canopy part aperture, the fanhaving a plurality of blades extending radially from the stanchion toends spaced adjacent the lower canopy part, the lower canopy partdefining bafiie means for the fan blades; wherein the stanchion extendsthrough the table to a lower end disposed below the table, and above thesupporting surface, and a housing thereon, including a storage batteryin said housing, and selectively operable means electrically connectingthe battery and the motor.

9. A canopied table unit comprising a table having a plurality ofsupporting legs adapted to support the table on a supporting surface, astanchion extending vertically from the table to an upper end removedfrom the table, a downwardly open canopy secured to the upper end of thestanchion and disposed concentric to the stanchion, a fan rotatablymounted to the upper end of the stanchion and disposed concentric to thestanchion, and electric motor means operativeiy connected to the fan forrotation of the fan, and selectively operable means operativelyconnected to the motor for rotating the fan at various speeds; whereinthe canopy comprises upper and lower canopy parts concave downwardlytoward the table and disposed concentric to the stanchion, the lowercanopy part defining an aperture therethrough in an upper portionthereof concentric to the stanchion, means for supporting the uppercanopy part in spaced apart relation to the lower canopy part, the uppercanopy part having an extent transversely of the stanchion greater thanthe corresponding extent of the lower canopy part aperture, the fanhaving a plurality of blades extending radially from the stanchion toends spaced adjacent the lower canopy part, the lower canopy partdefining bafile means for the fan blades; wherein the stanchion extendsthrough the table to a lower end disposed below the table, and above thesupporting surface, and a housing connected to the lower end of thestanchion and supporting the stanchion on the surface; and wherein themotor is disposed at the upper end of the stanchion, and wherein thehousing included means connectable to a source of electrical power, andelectrical conductor means connected between said last-named means andthe motor.

it A canopied table unit comprising a table having a plurality ofsupporting legs adapted to support the table on a supporting surface, astanchion extending vertically from the table to an upper end removedfrom the table, a downwardly open canopy secured to the upper end of thestanchion and disposed concentric to the stanchion, a fan rotatablymounted to the upper end of the stanchion and disposed concentric to thestanchion, and electric motor means operatively connected to the fan forrotation of the fan, and selectively operable means operativelyconnected to the motor for rotating the fan at various speeds; whereinthe canopy comprises upper and lower canopy parts concave downwardlytoward the table and disposed concentric to the stanchion, the lowercanopy part defining an aperture therethrough in an upper portionthereof concentric to the stanchion, means for supporting the uppercanopy part in spaced apart relation to the lower canopy part, the uppercanopy part having an extent transversely of the stanchion greater thanthe corresponding extent of the lower canopy part aperture, the fanhaving a plurality of blades extending radially from the stanchion toends spaced adjacent the lower canopy part, the lower canopy partdefining bathe means for the fan blades; and wherein the motor isconnected to the upper canopy part coaxially of the stanchion, and meansfor connecting the fan to said motor,

11. A ventilated canopy having utility in combination with an article offurniture and comprising a canopy means opening concave downwardlythereof, vertical stanchion means for supporting the canopy meansrelative to the article of furniture and mounting the canopy means atits upper end, the canopy means being comprised of a concave downwardlylower canopy part having an aperture therethrough in a central portionthereof, and a concave downwardly upper canopy part disposed in spacedapart relation to the lower canopy part over the aperture in the lowercanopy part, the upper canopy part having an areal extent greater thanthe lower canopy part aperture, rotary fan means disposed adjacent saidaperture and concentric thereto, the lower canopy part extendingoutwardly and downwardly, the fan means having a plurality of bladesextending outwardly to ends spaced in cooperating relation with bafflemeans, and selectively operable means operatively connected to the fanmeans for rotating the fan means; and wherein the baffle means comprisesan annular scroll ring secured to the lower canopy part peripherally ofthe aperture, the scroll ring extending inwardly and downwardly andoutwardly of the aperture, the fan means being disposed within thedownard extent of the scroll ring.

12.. A ventilated canopy having utility in combination with an articleof furniture and comprising a canopy means opening concave downwardlythereof, vertical stanchion means for supporting the canopy meansrelative to the article of furniture and mounting the canopy means atits upper ends, the canopy means being comprised of a concave downwardlylower canopy part having an aperture therethrough in a central portionthereof, and a concave downwardly upper canopy part disposed in spacedapart relation to the lower canopy part over the aperture in the lowercanopy part, the upper canopy part having an areal extent greater thanthe lower canopy part aperture, rotary fan means disposed adjacent saidaperture and concentric thereto, the lower canopy part extendingoutwardly and downwardly, the fan means having a plurality of bladesextending outwardly to ends spaced in cooperating relation with baifiemeans, and selectively operable means operatively connected to the fanmeans for rotating the fan means, and wherein the baffle means comprisesan annular scroll ring extending inwardly and downwardly and outwardlyof the aperture, the fan means being disposed within the downward extentof the scroll ring; and wherein the selectively operable means comprisesan electrical motor coupled to the fan and means for varying the speedof rotation of the fan.

13. A ventilated canopy having utility in combination with an article offurniture and comprising a canopy means opening concave downwardlythereof, vertical stanchion means for supporting the canopy meansrelative to the article of furniture and mounting the canopy means atthe upper ends, the canopy means being comprised of a concave downwardlylower canopy part having an aperture therethrough in a central portionthereof, and a concave downwardly upper canopy part disposed in spacedapart relation to the lower canopy part over the aperture in the lowercanopy part, the upper canopy part having an areal extent greater thanthe lower canopy part aperture, rotary fan means disposed adjacent saidaperture below and concentric thereto, the lower canopy part extendingoutwardly and downwardly, the fan means having a plurality of bladesextending outwardly to ends spaced in cooperating relation with baffiemeans, and selectively operable means operatively connected to the fanmeans for rotating the fan means, and wherein the baffle means comprisesan annular scroll ring extending inwardly and downwardly and outwardlyof the aperture, the fan means being disposed within the downward extentof the scroll ring; and wherein the means for varying the speed of thefan comprises means for varying the effective number of poles of themotor.

14. A ventilated canopy having utility in combination with an article offurniture and comprising a canopy means opening concave downwardlythereof, vertical stanchion means for supporting the canopy meansrelative to the article of furniture and mounting the canopy means atthe upper ends, the canopy means being comprised of a concave downwardlylower canopy part having an aperture therethrough in a central portionthereof, and a concave downwardly upper canopy part disposed in spacedapart relation to the lower canopy part over the aperture in the lowercanopy part, the upper canopy part having an areal extent greater thanthe lower canopy part aperture, rotary fan means disposed adjacent saidaperture below and concentric thereto, the lower canopy part extendingoutwardly and downwardly, the fan means having a plurality of bladesextending outwardly to ends spaced in cooperating relation with bafflemeans, and selectivcly operable means operatively connected to the fanmeans for rotating the fan means, and wherein the baflie means comprisesan annular scroll ring extending inwardly and downwardly and outwardlyof the aperture, the fan means being disposed within the downward extentof the scroll ring; and wherein the means for varying the speed of thefan comprises means for varying the field resistance or voltage of themotor.

15. A canopied table unit comprising a table having a plurality ofsupporting legs adapted to support the table on a supporting surface,stanchion means extending vertically from the table to upper endingsremoved from the table, a downwardly open canopy secured to the upperendings of the stanchion means, precipitation and sun excluding airinlet means communicating from exteriorly of the canopy to air movingmeans via a downwardly turned Venturi section, fan air moving meansrotatably mounted to the upper end of the stanchion and disposedconcentrically thereof, and internal combustion motor means operativelyconnected to the fan for rotation of the fan.

16. A canopied table unit comprising a table having a plurality ofsupporting legs adapted to support the table on a supporting surface, astanchion extending vertically from the table to an upper end removedfrom the table, a downwardly open canopy secured to the upper end of thestanchion and disposed concentric to the stanchion, a fan rotatablymounted to the upper end of the stanchion and disposed concentric to thestanchion, and electric motor means operatively connected to the fan forrotation of the fan, and selectively operable means operativelyconnected to the motor for rotating the fan at various speeds; whereinthe canopy comprises upper and lower canopy parts concave downwardlytoward the table and disposed concentric to the stanchion, the lowercanopy part defining an aperture therethrough in an upper portionthereof concentric to the stanchion peripherally circumscribed by adownwardly turned Venturi ring, means for supporting the upper canopypart in spaced apart re lation to the lower canopy part, the uppercanopy part having an extent transversely of the stanchion greater thanthe corresonding extent of the lower canopy part aperture, the fanhaving a plurality of blades extending radially from the stanchion toends spaced adjacent the lower canopy part; the lower canopy partdefining baffie means for the fan blades; wherein the stanchion extendsthrough the table to a lower end disposed below the table, and above thesupporting surface, and a housing connected to the stanchion wherein themotor is disposed in the housing, and including a fan shaft extendingupwardly through the stanchion to the fan and operatively connected tothe fan and the motor.

17. A canopied table unit comprising a table having a plurality ofsupporting legs adapted to support the table on a supporting surface, astanchion extending vertically from the table to an upper end removedfrom the table, a downwardly open canopy secured to the upper end of thestanchion and disposed concentric to the stanchion, a fan rotatablymounted to the upper end of the stanchion disposed concentric to thestanchion, and electric motor means operatively connected to the fan forrotation of the fan, and selectively operable means operativelyconnected to the motor for rotating the fan at various speeds; whereinthe canopy comprises upper and lower canopy parts concave downwardlytoward the table and disposed concentric to the stanchion, the lowercanopy part defining an aperture therethrough in an upper portionthereof concentric to the stanchion, peripherally circumscribed by adownwardly turned Venturi ring, means for supporting the upper canopypart in spaced apart relation to the lower canopy part, the upper canopypart having an extent transversely of the stanchion greater than thecorresonding extent of the lower canopy part aperture, the fan having aplurality of blades extending radially from the stanchion to ends spacedadjacent the lower canopy part, the lower canopy part defining bafflemeans for the fan blades; wherein the stanchion extends through thetable to a lower end disposed below the table, and above the supportingsurface, and a housing connected to the lower end of the stanchion andsupporting the stanchion on the surface; and wherein the motor isdisposed at the upper end of the stanchion, and wherein the housingincludes means connectable to a source of electrical power, andelectrical conductor means connected between said last-named means andthe motor.

18. A canopied table unit comprising a table having a plurality ofsupporting legs adapted to support the table on a supporting surface, astanchion extending vertically from the table to an upper end removedfrom the table, a downwardly open canopy secured to the upper end of thestanchion and disposed concentric to the stanchion, a fan rotatablymounted to the upper end of the stanchion and disposed concentric to thestanchion, and electric motor means operatively connected to the fan forrotation of the fan, and selectively operable means operativelyconnected to the motor for rotating the fan at various speeds; whereinthe canopy comprises upper and lower canopy parts concave downwardlytoward the table and disposed concentric to the stanchion, the lowercanopy part defining an aperture therethrough in an upper portionthereof concentric to the stanchion, peripherally circumscribed by adownwardly turned Venturi ring, means for supporting the upper canopypart in spaced apart relation to the lower canopy part, the u er canopypart having an extent transversely of the stanchion greater than thecorresponding extent of the lower canopy part aperture, the fan having aplurality of blades extending radially from the stanchion to ends spacedadjacent the lower canopy part, the lower canopy part defining bafiiemeans for the fan blades; and wherein the motor is connected to theupper canopy part coaxially of the stanchion, and means for connectingthe fan to said shaft.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Aylworth 98-1Onyskow 98-1 Runcie 981 Kurth 98-39 Wellen 98-2 Hainke 98-1 Lorenzo250259 X Bakke 98-1 Allsup 981 MEYER PERLIN, Primary Examiner. 15 ROBERTA. OLEARY, Assistant Examiner.

1. A VENTILATED CANOPY COMPRISING A CANOPY OPENING CONCAVE DOWNWARDLYAND HAVING AN UNDERSIDE, STANCHION MEANS FOR SUPPORTING THE CANOPY INSPACED APART RELATION TO A SUPPORT SURFACE, ROTARY AIR MOVING MEANSADJACENT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CANOPY, AIR INLET MEANS THROUGH THECANOPY, PERIPHERALLY RINGED BY A DOWNSTREAM TURNING VENTURI SECTION, TOTHE AIR MOVING MEANS, AND SELECTIVELY OPERABLE MEANS OPERATIVELYCONNECTED TO THE AIR MOVING MEANS FOR ROTATING THE AIR MOVING MEANS.